It might not have been the grand anniversary celebrations everyone had been planning or expected.

But people across Gravesend and Dartford adapted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day in lockdown on Friday.

Union flags were festooned across the front of houses, used as tablecloths, draped from windows and bunting hung out.

Social distancing was in force throughout the parties with many of the festivities bringing neighbours together while maintaining the two-metre gap between them.

Garden chairs and tables were placed in front gardens and driveways as communities came together to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.

Residents in Bonaventure Court in Gravesend showed how to mark the occasion lockdown-style due to the coronavirus outbreak.

So too did neighbours in Brenchley Avenue, Gravesend as people sat in their gardens with picnics, a glass of wine or beer to toast the victory over Adolf Hitler's evil regime 75 years ago.

A stay-at-home tea party was organised in Istead Rise by ward councillor Dakota Dibben with the help of co-ordinators in several streets.

Live music and wartime songs rang out to accompany the cake and catch-up with people dressed in red, white or blue or 1940s fashion.

Parades and much larger scale community based celebrations were planned through the councils but these were forced to be abandoned.

Gravesham council still saw the centre of Gravesend decorated in patriotic fashion with large Union flags hanging from buildings across the high street.

Dartford council had planned a weekend of events including a bandstand concert, gifts for young people and a full-sized Spitfire to be on display in Central Park.

Leader of the council Cllr Jeremy Kite said: "While we know that this year's celebrations won't be the same, that doesn’t stop us honouring heroes of the past and giving thanks for the

heroes of today."

The authority encouraged people to decorate their homes in red, white and blue and many other creative ways – including making bunting and posters and creating a wartime meal – to pay tribute to those who lived and served during the war.

Cllr Kite added people could share their stories, family history and messages as well as their VE Day activities on the Dartford Together social media pages.

One event which did go ahead in Dartford was a two minute silence held and wreaths laid at the foot of the war memorial in Central Park.

Care home residents in Gravesend and Northfleet were also treated on the anniversary.

They made their own Union flags, watched classic films and sang songs from Vera Lynn to mark the occasion.

People at the Watling Home residence in Gravesend were encouraged to wear red, white or blue and handed out ration books in exchange for fish and chips or spam fritters.

To read about the Armed Forces and how they have served Kent and beyond, click here.

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